salukipv1

like all the suggestions so far and agree, 7mm-08, .308, 270,


perhaps another idea is the 6.5-284 or some other 6.5?
known for great penetration, high SD... , small/light kicking.

Streetdoctor

No one hunts with a scar huh?

Only 2 or 3 lbs heavier than a bolt gun and probably a lot less recoil.

HatchieLuvr

Phew, I wouldn't want EITHER the 13# OR the 10#er for a mountain rifle! I'm 6'4" 250 & can carry anything but it doesn't mean I would like it.

I just put together a SWEET rifle for my best bud (his wife wanted to give him something nice for their 20th anniv) I ordered him a Sako Finnlight in 7mm-08. The entire rig is under 7# (has a 3x9x36 Z3 Swarovski but any decent, smaller scope will fit great) it fires a cloverleaf group at 100yds & carries like a dream. Any 140 Barnes, Nosler E-tip, Federal Trophy Coper etc... will MORE than plow thru a wapiti at normal ranges. If you didn't want to go that deep into the pocketbook then checkout the Ruger American All Weather Compact. Great lil rifle for under $500.

jeepkid

A SCAR for an elk rifle? Have some Taliban elk crossed the border and I didn't hear? Besides, they only come in 5.56 or 7.62, neither I consider an elk rifle. If you want the tacticool look then go with an AR 10 and get a WSM upper.

archeryelk1

I like the caliber choices of 7mm/08, 308, or 30/06, any of these with proper bullets are fine out to 300 yards IMO.
As far as a heavy gun for help with recoil, I'm iffy on that. My daughter struggled with holding a heavy gun in the free hand position, her arm holding the foregrip would tire very quickly. You know how many times that you have to hold a gun in the ready position for a bit before the animal turns just right. A semi-auto along with a nice recoil pad will do her fine I think, I'd try to target 8#'s or so. And I'd also consider the added weight of a set of bipods on her gun, I doubt I need to say how valuable it is to have a steady rest when your heart is crashing with excitement. I have a couple sets that extend clear out to 30", so they can be used from a sitting position in most cases. My daughter has shot all her deer to date off a bipod...and has gotten all of them that she shot at except one.

jerry d

LOL!!!!!!! yeah just happened 2 weeks ago. Had my Marlin 336, about #8 all up. I'm hunting a blow down,sitting on the ground. Getting warm out I stand up to take my vest off. A deer came out from behind me but a thicket blocked his view. So I kneel down grab the rifle,shoulder it, and wait. About 30 seconds went by and he walks out 30' from me and presents a shot. That gun went from #8 to #50 in 30 seconds!!!

I did kill him because it wasn't what I wanted to shoot.

alleyyooper

I have a Remington 700 Mountain rifle in 7mm 08 with a Pentex 3x9 light seeker on it. Weighs a tad less than 8 pounds recoil is still lighter than a 308 I own. Would not be afraid to use it on and North American game except the very biggest bears.

I hand load 120gr. bullets to 2700FPS. very accrete.

Al

Streetdoctor

scar 17s handles 308 ammo fine.

GTOHunter

Check out the Savage "Lady Hunter" in a 7mm/08,beautiful Rifle,light recoil with great accuracy!

Ridge Runner

build her whatever ya want, make it weigh 10#'s, put a pachmeyer decelerator or SVL pad on it, install a QD Holland brake and she'll be fine with it, my daughter has shot my long range rigs since she was 9 years old and she has no problem with them.

RR